Apparel

Clicks-to-bricks phenomenon Bonobos’ retail journey will soon extend to Manhattan’s Madison Avenue. The company has signed a 10-year lease for 1,725 sq. ft. on the ground floor of 488 Madison Avenue near St. Patrick’s Cathedral.   Neighbors of Bonobos at its new location include Saks Fifth Avenue, Tourneau, Burberry, and Nordstrom’s Trunk Club. The Feil Organization recently completed major renovations on the building, including a two-story glass curtain wall in the office lobby.  

Leasing has begun on HELM Miami, a mixed-use development destined for a full city block in Miami’s Design District, a neighborhood carved out in an under-developed area north of downtown near Biscayne Bay.   Newmark Grubb Knight Frank Retail will handle leasing, led by executive managing director Thomas Citron and executive VP Mitchell Friedel.  

Consumers’ increased confidence in their own financial situation bodes well for back-to-school spending.    At least that’s according to Synchrony Financial’s Back-to-School survey, which found that clothing, shoes and electronics represent the majority of back-to-school spending for most families surveyed and more than a third expect to spend more in both categories this year. Longer supply lists and more technology needs are among the drivers of increased spending.   

Everyone remembers the malls of the Eighties, where teenagers congregated and where the latest names in fashion could be found in one amazingly convenient location. This phenomenon was once relevant and innovative, but innovation is fleeting by nature. How have malls changed the ways they connect with customers make the mall experience still worth their while?   

Consumers are putting their best foot forward when it comes to spending.

Shoppers will soon be able to get a reward by walking in to a New York & Company store.   Shopkick, a leading shopping app, announced a partnership with the women's apparel and accessories retailer. Customers can now earn “kicks” for walking in, visiting the dressing room, and making purchases in more than 170 New York & Company stores nationwide.  

Nordstrom is doubling down on its partnership with J.Crew Group’s Madewell brand.   The department store chain plans to expand the brand to an additional 20 stores this fall.  It’s the third distribution expansion since the initial launch of the partnership in March 2015, and will result in the retailer carrying Madewell goods in a total of 76 locations in the U.S. and Canada, as well as on Nordstrom.com.     

Sears Canada is losing another top executive who has been on the job for less than a year.   The retailer announced that Carrie Kirkman is leaving her role as president and chief merchant to transition to an “advisory role.” In a statement, the company said Kirkman had been “brought aboard to focus on strategic brand partner development,” and that new brands will debut this fall. Kirkman will reportedly leave her post after July 30.